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Short introduction:
Anxiety has been my companion for almost as long as I can remember.
It is somewhat of a modern plague, tormenting the young and the old around the world. Statistically, roughly 20% () of people above 18 suffer from anxiety, and about a third report severe issues (in the US). Over the last couple of years, COVID and the resurgence of fears regarding a possible nuclear conflict between nations have only added to that issue.
Sometimes, it comes in a mild form, an inconvenience accompanied by an unpleasant sensation in my stomach and chest. At other times, it can get quite severe and debilitating. It has taken me a long time to accept that anxiety comes and goes, often on its own accord. But when it got really bad, I was forced to deal with it head-on.
That’s when I learned that it has nothing to do with outside events in my life, despite a firm appearance of cause and effect, but with my mind. Those who suffer from anxiety will inevitably fall under its spell and feel helpless and desperate when it hits. It makes us believe that our situation is dangerous and that something terrible will happen any moment now.
It may be a conscious awareness of the danger or an ever-present feeling underneath that won’t leave us alone. We feel trapped in the firm grip it holds over us and often cannot escape it, or so it seems.
Listen to the rest in the voiceover at the top of this post, or read the article.
About the podcast/voiceover:
I have begun narrating my articles, giving them a more personal note.
The recordings are a “one take only” kind, with no editing.
English is not my native language, so I apologize in advance.
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AUDIO: Anxiety, a Modern Plague Causing Billions To Suffer Needlessly